The French, German, Ukrainian and Russian leaders on Thursday urged an end to fighting and ceasefire violations in the conflict-torn Eastern European country, the French presidency said on Thursday.

"Ceasefire violations and fighting, in particular near Mariupol, Shchastya, Donetsk airport and the area of Shyrokyne, must end," the French president's office said in a statement after the leaders held a four-way telephone call.